Friday, February 01, 2013

Kalamazoo loads up for NAHL stretch drive

The Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings have traded for Wenatchee Wild defenseman Dillon Eichstadt and Springfield Jr. Blues’ forward Mike Fazio.

Eichstadt, an 18-year-old defenseman who hails from Bemidji, Minn., comes over to Kalamazoo after being dealt for future considerations. The 5-foot-10 Eichstadt has played in 24 games during his rookie campaign and has posted nine points on two goals and seven assists. He has also played to a +4 rating throughout the season.

Kalamazoo coach Marc Fakler called Eichstadt a “very skilled puck moving defenseman, who should make an immediate impact.”

In a separate move, the Jr. K-Wings have traded forward Davis DeKorte and future considerations to the Jr. Blues in exchange for Fazio, a three-year veteran of the NAHL having bounced around from Austin to Bismarck to Chicago and Springfield. The 20-year-old from Bartlett, Ill., has scored 51 points in 118 career games, having netted 22 goals and tallying 29 assists. This season, Fazio has scored 11 goals and added 16 assists for a total of 27 points in 44 games.

Fazio was the captain of Springfield and should add an element of goal scoring, toughness, and leadership.

“He’ll provide more veteran leadership and there is no doubt that he will help the production of our offense,” said Fakler.

In yet another roster move, Kalamazoo released defenseman Cole Pierce.

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